Lanzarote Travel Guide-Attractions, Eating, Drinking, Shopping & Places To Stay

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Another big reason to visit Haria is to take in the views of the Valley of a Thousand Palms. In reality, there aren’t 1000, but this is the greenest area of Lanzarote. While you’ll see the palm-filled oasis as you wander the town, some of the best views are from the LZ10 as you approach from the north. Valley of a Thousand Palms in Haria, Lanzarote See the natural pools in Punta Mujeres Gran Canaria’s dramatic landscape comes courtesy of its classic volcanic cone profile and if you're up for an adventure take a look at our guide to exploring the rugged heart of Gran Canaria on foot. The island's mountainous nature also causes huge climate variations. So you might leave Las Palmas in damp and cloudy conditions and an hour later be enjoying the blazing hot sun on the spectacular Maspalomas Dunes. Now largely ignored by tourists — other than for the Sunday Market — it remains a great place to visit during the week, as it boasts some excellent architecture and remains relatively tranquil. Located in the valley of 1,000 palms, Haria has much to offer the visitor who wants to see a real slice of Lanzarote.

So, what better place to start than with a trip to the César Manrique Foundation in Tahiche. It’s set inside his former home, where he lived for 20 years from 1968 to 1988. As with some of his other creations, there’s a synergy between the landscape and the architecture. The beautiful pool area at the César Manrique Foundation The island has three resorts and the vast majority of visitors stay in one of the three, with only the more adventurous choosing to stay in Arrecife or one of the island’s rural areas. Costa Teguise scores highly when it comes to eating out. Most of the best restaurants are located inthe PlayaBastian area of the resort, with Oscars, El Navarroand Isla Bonita all ratedhighly. Read our guide to restaurants in Costa Teguise for more in depth information. Transport If you’re thinking of booking a buggy tour, I’d recommend covering up (it can get blustery with the wind in Lanzarote), leave any valuables at your hotel and wear trainers. Also, if you’re thinking of booking, you’ll need to bring your driving license. The cars fit two people, and you can swap over half way so you both get to drive the buggy! Learn about Lanzarote’s architectural genius César Manrique AlongsideManrique’s unique architectural vision, Lanzarote is also known for its idiosyncratic viticulture that seesMalvasia wine grapesgrown in the island's craters. Seeing as the island’s wine is made distinct by its volcanic terrain, it makes good sense to combine wine-tasting with a visit to the island’s Timanfaya National Park.The original resort has been extended in recent years and the marina at Puerto Calero is close by, as is Matagorda, at the airport end of The Strip. Voted the Prettiest village in Spain on more than one occasion, Yaiza is a quiet and tranquil place to explore. Hotel Fonda de la Tea has rustic rooms, apartments and independent homes in Tejeda (all from €105). In Las Palmas, Bed and Chic (doubles from €52) makes a boutique splash across two tile-floored 20th-century buildings, or stay at the beautifully revamped, 19th-century landmark hotel Santa Catalina (doubles from €110). Before our trip to Lanzarote, the Canary Islands had been on my list for a long time. I was attracted to the volcanic landscapes, unique beaches, tasty Spanish cuisine and, of course, the fact the weather was significantly warmer than the UK’s chilly winter temperatures! I travelled to Hawaii a few years ago and loved the volcanic landscapes. Would Lanzarote offer something similar, a lot closer to home? I really hoped so! We loved exploring Lanzarote

Explore some of the up-and-coming wineries ( Bodega Elysar, Bodegas Uwe Urbach), the bottle-green El Pinar forest and the laurisilva (laurel forest) at the heart of the island. Then venture out to El Hierro’s far western tip, where you’ll find wind-twisted juniper trees, the 18th-century chapel of Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Reyes and the isolated Orchilla lighthouse. In the low-key capital, Valverde, the 18th-century church and down-to-earth tascas are worth a visit. At the La Peña viewpoint, the Mirador de la Peña restaurant, designed by César Manrique, has views across El Golfo. Base yourself in the rugged north, where low-key fishing villages – Arrieta, Punta Mujeres, La Santa, Órzola – and major works by the Lanzarote-born artist César Manrique await, including the Casa-Museo César Manrique (in leafy, historical Haría) and the Jameos del Agua. From visiting beautiful beaches and adventures through the volcanic landscapes, to wine tours, amazing architecture, local cuisine and markets, these are the best things to do in Lanzarote.As for Las Palmas itself? At once a majorcommercial hub, historical centre, cosmopolitan resort, and essential seaport, this isarguably the most beguiling of Canarian capitals.Adorned with attractive museums and galleries, it’s a stunning place to amble an afternoon with aninformed Canary Islands travel guidetaking you on an Old Town walking tour. Looking out on Hermigua’s banana-palm valley, Los Telares offers smartly rustic studio apartments (from €47) with balconies and a pool. The Parador de la Gomera (doubles from €97), designed to resemble a 15th-century mansion, sits above San Sebastián, surrounded by Canarian gardens and an Atlantic-facing pool.

Costa Teguise is well situated to explore the many tourist attractions in the North of Lanzarote, such as the Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua and the Jardin de Cactus. All of which were created by local artist César Manrique, whose former home and studio is also just a ten minute drive away in Tahiche. So if you are planning to combine sunbathing with sightseeing Costa Teguise is an excellent choice. Things To Do The largest of the Canary Islands in size - Tenerife is especially suited to families and couples whose interests diverge. Say one of you is a confirmed beach bum while the other likes to hike. A cool way to uncover La Palma’s volcanic origins (in both senses of the word "cool" - these caves are chilly) is to take a guided tour of the unique 500-metre-long, 3-metre-wide lava tunnel. Though small in size, La Gomera is big on delivering food and drink specialties, such as almogrote, a spicy cheese paste. To wash it down, there’s lots of local wine to choose from, orronmielliqueur (literally, rum honey). While Canarian rum is popular on all the islands, this is a La Gomera speciality. As is guarapo - a honey-like syrup made from the heated sap of Canarian palm trees. The main beach at Papagayo is located in a small cove with golden sand and impressive cliffs. Perched above are beach bars offering beautiful views. The water is calm and sheltered, and usually a vivid shade of turquoise.This unspolit former fishing village is a real gem and in Playa de Garita boasts one of the best beaches on Lanzarote. Playa Quemada